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Leviticus 26:8 - Divine victory through unity.

Leviticus 26:8 - ויקרא 26:8

Hebrew Text

וְרָדְפוּ מִכֶּם חֲמִשָּׁה מֵאָה וּמֵאָה מִכֶּם רְבָבָה יִרְדֹּפוּ וְנָפְלוּ אֹיְבֵיכֶם לִפְנֵיכֶם לֶחָרֶב׃

English Translation

And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Transliteration

Veradfu mikem chamisha me'a ume'a mikem revava yirdofu venaf'lu oyveichem lifneichem lacharev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָדְפ֨וּ מִכֶּ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ מֵאָ֔ה וּמֵאָ֥ה מִכֶּ֖ם רְבָבָ֣ה יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ וְנָפְל֧וּ אֹיְבֵיכֶ֛ם לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם לֶחָֽרֶב׃
וְרָדְפ֨וּ מִכֶּ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ מֵאָ֔ה וּמֵאָ֥ה מִכֶּ֖ם רְבָבָ֣ה יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ וְנָפְל֧וּ אֹיְבֵיכֶ֛ם לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם לֶחָֽרֶב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 26:8) appears in the section of the Torah known as the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Hashem outlines the blessings that will come to Bnei Yisrael if they follow His commandments. This particular verse describes the military success that will accompany their faithfulness, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their victories.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the disproportionate ratio—five chasing a hundred, and a hundred chasing ten thousand—demonstrates that victory will not be due to natural military strength but through divine intervention. He notes that mathematically, the ratio changes (from 1:20 to 1:100), teaching that when fewer Jews are involved, each individual's merit is more potent, resulting in greater miracles.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah, Rambam discusses how divine assistance in battle is contingent on the spiritual state of the Jewish people. This verse illustrates that when Bnei Yisrael are united in serving Hashem, their victories defy natural odds, as their success is a reflection of divine favor rather than human capability.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifra elaborates that the numbers symbolize the power of unity—when even a small group of Jews is dedicated to Torah and mitzvot, their collective merit brings about extraordinary results.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma connects this verse to the concept of zechut avot (merit of the ancestors), suggesting that the victories are also earned through the righteousness of earlier generations.

Practical Lessons

The verse teaches that success—whether in battle or other endeavors—is not merely a function of effort but of spiritual merit. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) reinforces this idea, stating that true victory comes from trust in Hashem rather than reliance on military might. This principle remains relevant in all generations, reminding us that our achievements are ultimately guided by divine providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miraculous victories of the Israelites in battle, emphasizing the divine assistance they received.
📖 Makkot 23b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the rewards for fulfilling commandments and the power of collective merit in achieving victory over enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:8 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:8 is a promise from Hashem that if the Jewish people follow His commandments, they will experience miraculous success in battle. Even a small number of Jews will be able to overcome much larger enemy forces. Rashi explains that this demonstrates Hashem's direct intervention on behalf of those who are faithful to Him.
Q: Why is Leviticus 26:8 important?
A: This verse is important because it shows the special protection Hashem grants to the Jewish people when they are obedient to the Torah. The Rambam teaches that such promises reinforce the concept of divine reward for mitzvah observance and serve as encouragement during challenging times.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:8 apply today?
A: While we don't experience open miracles like this today, the principle remains that Hashem protects and strengthens the Jewish people when we are devoted to Torah. The Sforno explains that this verse teaches us about the power of unity - when Jews stand together in service of Hashem, we can overcome great challenges.
Q: What's the significance of the numbers in Leviticus 26:8?
A: The numbers show disproportionate success - five defeating a hundred (20:1 ratio) and a hundred defeating ten thousand (100:1 ratio). The Talmud (Makkot 23b) notes this teaches that when Jews are righteous, their strength increases exponentially beyond normal expectations.
Q: Does Leviticus 26:8 mean Jews will always win wars?
A: No, this blessing is conditional on Jewish observance of Torah. The verse appears in the context of blessings for obedience (Leviticus 26:3-13). The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that when Jews are unfaithful, these protections are withdrawn, as seen later in the chapter's warnings.